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Culter
876 This image was taken around 1909 from a hill at the west end of Culter - 7 miles west from Aberdeen looking down on the North Deeside Road towards Banchory. The image shows the cottages known as Clayhills with the houses of Malcolm Road beyond. Hidden in the trees at the right hand side is the statue of Rob Roy overlooking the Leuchar Burn which runs through the wooded valley. Stoneywood Works Home Guard
943 Stoneywood Works Home Guard.
Back Row: Unknown, Unknown, Charlie Thomson, Hector Emslie, Unknown, Bill Irvine, Ed Coutts, John Reid, Jim Smith, Alick Duncan (engineer), Dick Grant, A. Kilgour.
3rd Row: Ralph Davidson, Bob Lawrence, Arthur Smart, Ed McDonald, John Menzies, Bill Kane, Alfred McPherson, Harry Duncan, A. Baigrie, Tom Mitchell, Bill Davidson, Alex Robb, Jim McLean, Bill Denholm, George Sangster (sawmiller).
2nd Row: Gordon Wilson, Jim Davidson, Jim Ross, Unknown, Andy Lawson, Charles Esson, Frank Rundle, Bill Bartlett, Alick Duncan (cutting & rolling), Neil Littlejohn, Bert Campbell, Willie Robbie, Bill Forbes, David Findlater.
Front Row: Bill Thomson, Val Michie, Bill Ross, Jack Beveridge, Bill Kitson, Harry Jordan, Jim Murray, Cozens Hardy, Jack Stewart, Jim Duncan, Bert Spence, Bill Pirie, John Sutherland, Alick Davidson, Bill Wright. Treasure 35: Notes and Jottings of G.M. Fraser
2323 George Milne Fraser had a lifelong interest and expertise in local history; delivering talks (as seen in the December 2015 Treasure), publishing books and numerous letters and articles in the local press. His 'Notes and Jottings' collection comprise over 70 volumes, mostly hand written (including a form of shorthand), which are a treasure trove of information about the local area.
Within these notebooks are newspaper articles and advertisements, photographs, personal correspondence, sketches and many other interesting bits and pieces. Library staff have compiled an index to this invaluable resource and consult it on a regular basis when researching enquiries. It is quite a challenge deciphering his handwriting sometimes!
As a journalist by profession, G. M. Fraser retained his talent for writing and contributed articles to the Aberdeen Free Press, Bon Accord and Northern Pictorial, Evening Gazette, and journals such as the Deeside Field.
His contributions to local literature began in 1904 with the publication of The Green. Historical Aberdeen appeared the following year and after Aberdeen Street Names in 1911 the Town Clerk Depute wrote to Fraser with the words "We must now regard you as our Principal Historian".
The Life and Work of G. M. Fraser
G. M. Fraser was appointed city librarian in 1899 and was the second public librarian in Aberdeen. He can be seen on the far right of this image from the library archive.
His name was known all over the north east and he was mentioned in the chorus of one of Harry Gordon's popular songs, The Auldest Aiberdonian: "I ken lots o' stories G. M. Fraser disna ken". On 30 October 1923 he gave a 15 minute talk on the radio about Castlegate, becoming the first librarian in Aberdeen to make a radio broadcast.
During his term of office there were many developments in the Library service:
- The Central Library was extended in 1905 to include a new reading room
- Branch reading rooms and delivery stations were established throughout the city
- The Juvenile Library in Skene Street opened in 1911
- Open access was introduced in the Lending Library 1925 (find out more about Open Access libraries in the October treasures!)
- Fraser's strongest legacy is the Local Studies collection, which still contains many of our treasures.
G. M. Fraser was remembered very fondly after his death on 7 June 1938. There were many tributes including one from the Library Committee. Perhaps one of the warmest tributes was paid by his successor as City Librarian, Marcus Milne:
"Somehow the Library and G.M. were one. You could not think of the Library without thinking of that kindly figure who was head of it; and one could not meet him without thinking of the building he graced for so long. Mr Fraser had 2 hobbies and work was both of them. He lived for nothing else. The library was ever uppermost in his thoughts and closely allied to his love for the Library was his great love for things Aberdeen".
Mr Fraser's funeral service was attended by many prominent city officials and floral wreaths included one from Lady Aberdeen with the inscription "In affectionate and grateful remembrance of a much valued friend". He is buried in Springbank Cemetery.
In 1955, Aberdeen's first post-war permanent branch library was opened at Northfield and named the G. M. Fraser Branch Library in his honour.
In further recognition of his contribution to the development of the Library service, a commemorative plaque can be found on the front of the Central Library building. Harry and Jessie M. Gordon
2694 The caskets of popular local entertainer Harry Gordon (11 July 1893 - 21 January 1957) and his wife Jessie M. Gordon (d. 6 March 1959) in the old crematorium at Kaimhill.
Gordon was known as 'The Laird of Inversnecky' and was particularly associated with Aberdeen's Beach Pavilion. Aberdeen Local Studies have a large collection of programmes for his shows.
For more information on his life and career see Harry Gordon: The Laird of Inversnecky by Iain Watson (1993), available at Aberdeen City Libraries.
This photograph was kindly donated to Local Studies by our colleagues in the Masterplanning, Design and Conservation Team. On the Sands at Aberdeen
3126 A postcard image showing a busy scene on Aberdeen Beach, most likely in the 1930s. Stalls selling ices and changing tents can be seen on the beach. Above on the promenade, going north to south, the Beach Shelter, Bathing Station and the Pavilion can also be seen. The latter advertises Harry Gordon's Entertainers. Aberdeen Theatres: The New Pavilion
3380 A poster from 1931 for The New Pavilion at Aberdeen beach. The poster lists many of the acts performing as part of Harry Gordon's Entertainments and gives a start date of 29th June. The box office for the theatre is given as Paterson, Sons, & Marr Wood, 183 Union Street.
In 1908 a young Harry Gordon won a talent competition at the Pavilion and so began his association with the theatre. He entertained visitors at the Beach Pavilion throughout the 1920s and 30s with his stories about the imaginary village of Inversnecky and songs such as "The Auldest Aiberdonian", "Hilly's Man" and "The Rodin Tree".
The Pavilion was closed during the Second World War, though reopened in 1946. Harry Gordon had given up his tenancy by this point. In the 1950s it was advertised as "the city's variety house by the golden sands presenting a bright and breezy variety show with well-known Radio and TV stars".
Resident comedians included Dave Willis and George Lacey and there were occasional appearances by future stars such as Julie Andrews. Plays were performed and films shown throughout the summer months.
In 1962 the Pavilion was re-named the Gaiety and became a licensed restaurant, public bar and lounge. It functioned as a restaurant in the Queens Links leisure complex until the remnants of the original building were destroyed by fire in 2014. Aberdeen Theatres: The Pavilion on the Promenade
3381 The Beach Promenade between the wars was a busy venue for holiday makers and locals alike.
On the left of the photograph can be seen the Beach Pavilion, home to Harry Gordon's Entertainers. The theatre originally opened as a wooden structure on 6th May 1906. Following many successful summer seasons a new, improved Pavilion opened in 1928, seen here.
In 1962 the Pavilion was re-named the Gaiety and became a licensed restaurant, public bar and lounge. It functioned as a restaurant in the Queens Links leisure complex until the remnants of the original building were destroyed by fire in 2014.
The Beach Bathing Station can be seen in the background. Aberdeen Theatres: Pavilion programmes
3382 For more than 30 years Harry Gordon, one of Scotland's most talented comedians of the 20th Century, dominated Aberdeen's entertainment industry and prompted local historian Fenton Wyness to describe him as "possibly the only real attraction Aberdeen beach has ever had". Aberdeen Local Studies hold a collection of bound volumes of Beach Pavilion programmes, published between 1924 and 1940.
The Beach Pavilion opened in 1905 and later became the home of Harry Gordon, the Laird of Inversnecky and one of Aberdeen's most popular comedians. He entertained visitors at the Beach Pavilion throughout the 1920s and 1930s, helping to make the Beach Pavilion one of the brightest and best places of entertainment in town and brought many world-famous artists to Aberdeen.
The final curtain came down with the Second World War. Due to its vulnerable location, many people were reluctant to go the Beach and the Pavilion was closed during the war years. It was re-opened in 1946 (although Harry Gordon had given up his tenancy by then) and continued as an entertainment venue. Aberdeen Theatres: Harry Gordon
3395 A photographic portrait of the entertainer Harry Gordon (1893-1957) by Frank Arthur Swaine. Gordon was born in Aberdeen as Alexander Gordon and rose to prominence on the stages of the North-East.
He was known as "The Laird of Inversnecky" and was particularly associated with Aberdeen's Beach Pavilion. Aberdeen Local Studies have a large collection of programmes for his shows. He also played in other venues around Aberdeen like the His Majesty's Theatre and the Music Hall.
Gordon was a pioneer of resident shows in variety theatres in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. He performed extensively in pantomimes, particuarly in Glasgow. He also worked with the BBC in the 1920s and 1930s and produced many records.
His first performance in London was in 1929 at the Palladium and he toured in American in 1948 and 1949.
For more information on his life and career see Harry Gordon: The Laird of Inversnecky by Iain Watson (1993), available at Aberdeen City Libraries. Bowman & Webster, Cork Manufacturers
164 A receipt from Bowman & Webster, Cork Manufacturers & Bottle Merchants. The document dating from 21st April, 1916 features illustrations of the premises at 8 & 10 South Constitution Street and lists other offices in Dundee and Sevilla, Spain. The receipt is for the purchase of beer corks by the Douglas Arms Hotel in Banchory.
The business of Bowman & Webster had a long history in the City of Aberdeen. It was initially a partnership between Thomas Bowman and Fred Webster. The partnership was dissolved in 1901, with Bowman leaving, but the company retained its original name throughout its history.
Thomas Bowman died suddenly, aged between 40 and 50, on 28th August 1905 and his obituary can be read in the next day's Aberdeen Journal. Like his father and grandfather he had joined the army and served in North India with the Gordon Highlanders.
Fred Webster and his son ran the business after the departure of Bowman. A descendant of the family has been touch and explained that both had troubled lives and died relatively young. The business was then taken over by John Webster, Fred's brother, in 1925.
The obituary of Fred Webster can be read in the Press & Journal of 25th June 1924. In addition to describing his successful business and work in Spain, the article describes him as follows:
"A man of genial disposition, Mr Webster was exceedingly popular with all who knew him. He was a keen bowler and a member of the Northern Bowling Club. For many years Mr Webster was a well-known pigeon fancier and breeder, and won prizes all over the country, including Crystal Palace, and his services were often in request as a judge."
Before taking over the business, John and his wife had spent twenty years living and working in Canada. Fred willed the company to a daughter of John's called Evelyn. John successfully ran the business as its Managing Director until his death on 8th November 1961, aged 78. He was a life-long member of the Thistle Swimming Club and lived at 122 Desswood Place.
John's son, Edwin John Webster, then ran the business until it closed down in the later 20th century. The growing influence of large brewers made business and survival more difficult for local companies involved in the licensed trade.
Edwin John Webster died, aged 78, on 30th September 1990.
Many thanks to Michael John Webster (from Angus), son of Edwin, for providing us with additional information about the family and business. Anna Shepherd
225 Anna Shepherd, also known as Nan, was a Scottish novelist and poet. Born on February 11th 1893, she was also well-known in educational circles in Aberdeen.
We are able to trace her using Census records held at Aberdeen Central Library. Here is an extract of the 1901 Census. Aged 8, Anna Shepherd was listed as living in a house called "Dunvegan", in the village of Cults, part of the civil parish of Peterculter. She lived there with her parents, John Shepherd, aged 48, and Jane Smith Shepherd, aged 36. Her brother, Francis John, was 10 years old. Her grand-mother Ann Shepherd used to live with the family too. A domestic, Isabella Gordon, aged 19, is also listed as part of the household.
Aberdeen Central Library holds Census returns from 1841 to 1901 on microfilm.
Treasure 65: Beach Pavilion Programmes
241 For more than 30 years Harry Gordon, one of Scotland's most talented comedians of the 20th Century, dominated Aberdeen's entertainment industry and prompted local historian Fenton Wyness to describe him as "possibly the only real attraction Aberdeen beach has ever had". Aberdeen Local Studies hold a collection of bound volumes of Beach Pavilion programmes, published between 1924 and 1940.
The Beach Pavilion opened in 1905 and later became the home of Harry Gordon, the 'Laird of Inversnecky' and one of Aberdeen's most popular comedians. He entertained visitors at the Beach Pavilion throughout the 1920s and 1930s helped to make the Beach Pavilion one of the brightest and best places of entertainment in town, bringing many world-famous artists to Aberdeen.
The final curtain came down with the Second World War. Due to its vulnerable location, many people were reluctant to go the Beach and the Pavilion was closed during the war years. It was re-opened in 1946 (although Harry Gordon had given up his tenancy by then) and continued as an entertainment venue. In 1962 the Pavilion was re-named the Gaiety and became a licensed restaurant, public bar and lounge. It then functioned as a restaurant in the Queens Links leisure complex but the remaining remnants of the original building were sadly destroyed by fire in May 2014. The Pavilion
255 A poster from 1931 for The New Pavilion at Aberdeen beach. The poster lists many of the acts performing as part of Harry Gordon's Entertainments and gives a start date of 29th June. The box office for the theatre is given as Paterson, Sons, & Marr Wood, 183 Union Street.
In 1908 a young Harry Gordon won a talent competition at the Pavilion and so began his association with the theatre. He entertained visitors at the Beach Pavilion throughout the 1920s and 30s with his stories about the imaginary village of Inversnecky and songs such as "The Auldest Aiberdonian", "Hilly's Man" and "The Rodin Tree".
The Pavilion was closed during the Second World War, though reopened in 1946. Harry Gordon had given up his tenancy by this point. In the 1950s it was advertised as "the city's variety house by the golden sands presenting a bright and breezy variety show with well-known Radio and TV stars".
Resident comedians included Dave Willis and George Lacey and there were occasional appearances by future stars such as Julie Andrews. Plays were performed and films shown throughout the summer months.
In 1962 the Pavilion was re-named the Gaiety and became a licensed restaurant, public bar and lounge. It functioned as a restaurant in the Queens Links leisure complex until the remnants of the original building were destroyed by fire in 2014. Treasure 85: Diary of the Battle of the Somme, July-Sept. 1916, by Corporal H. Robertson
297 To mark Remembrance Day on 11 November, we are exhibiting one of the most poignant and remarkable treasures in our collection - the diary of Corporal Harry Robertson featuring a first-hand account of life in the trenches during World War One.
The diary was gifted to former City Librarian William Critchley by Harry Robertson when they met in Motherwell, Scotland. As Robertson had fought in the 1st Battalion of Gordon Highlanders, he suggested that Aberdeen Public Library may be the best place to preserve it.
Robertson was born in Greenock in 1893 and went on to become an analytical chemist with Glasgow City Analysts and Glasgow's Royal Technical College prior to the First World War. In August 1914, he enlisted in the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) and trained with them at Dunbar and York, transferring to the Gordon Highlanders in June 1915. He rose through the ranks to become Sergeant at General Headquarters 3rd Echelon in Rouen in November 1916, where he remained until the end of the war. He was demobilized in March 1919.
In the diary, Corporal Robertson shares his experiences during the 'Big Push' and the Battle of Bazentin Ridge (14-17 July 1916). It was a British victory, but at a huge cost with over 9000 British casualties and losses. The 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders were part of the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division, XIII Corps of the British Army, commanded by Lieutenant-General Walter Congreve.
View our Treasures exhibition on the interactive screen to read more detailed extracts from the diary and gain an insight into the moving and often traumatic experiences of soldiers on the front line. Mr Bannister's first night
470 A broadside from 1811 announcing the exclusive show of Mr Bannister, referred to as "the first comedian of the British stage".
This would have been the actor John (or Jack) Bannister (1760-1836). An entry, written by Joseph Knight and revised by Nilanjana Banerji, for Bannister can be found in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (available online with an active library membership). Bannister was a pupil of David Garrick, of the Drury Lane Theatre in London, and was one of the foremost comic actors of his day.
For six nights, Bannister was to perform in a comedy, Bold Stroke for a Wife, a comic song, The Tortoise-shell Tom-cat, and a farce, The Prize; or 2, 5, 3, 8.
These appearances in Aberdeen may have been part of a tour of the provinces and Ireland that Bannister commenced in 1809. His ODNB entry explains that the tour, comprising a monologue entertainment and songs, was called Bannister's Budget and was a financial, popular, and critical success.
Appealing to the expected high level of the entertainment, the reputation of the performer, and the great distance from Aberdeen to London, the theatre's manager, Mrs Mudie, hoped the public would understand slightly increased ticket prices for seats in the theatre's boxes and pit.
Tickets could be purchased from a variety of local booksellers; Messrs. Stevenson, Mortimer, Gordon, Spark and Watson or from a Mr. Phillips at the theatre's box office.
The Theatre Royal mentioned in this document, the first permanent one built in Aberdeen and opened in 1795, is no longer in use. It was turned into a church after the construction of Her Majesty's Opera House (later the Tivoli Theatre), which opened in 1872.
This playbill broadside was printed by Chalmers & Co. The document is referenced and transcribed in an Aberdeen Journal article from 26th November 1906, page 3, titled 'Two Aberdeen play-houses'. The article suggests that this might be "one of the earliest specimens of a local playbill probably in existence." |